The Evangelical Articular Church of St Michael is a precious Baroque monument of sacred
architecture, with a history dating back to the late 17th century. It stands on the site of the
original chapel, which was built in 1686 and forms the foundation of today’s church. In 1730,
the building underwent a major reconstruction – a tower and crypts were added and the
church itself acquired its current Greek-cross floor plan, which makes it unique among the
churches in the region.
The church is built on a Greek-cross floor plan; the square nave narrows on the eastern side
into the chancel with a gallery above, beneath which lies the sacristy. On the western side, a
U-shaped organ gallery dominates the interior, enhancing both its acoustics and visual
appeal.
Visitors are captivated by the richly decorated Baroque interior: the altar with the image of
the Holy Trinity, the Florentine-style pulpit adorned with statues of the Evangelists, and rare
wall paintings that add historical depth and spiritual dimension to the space. These features
testify to the high level of craftsmanship and artistry the church already displayed in the 18th
century.
Due to its historical, architectural and artistic value, the Church of St. Michael was declared
a national cultural monument of the Slovak Republic in 1963. It stands as evidence of the
region’s rich ecclesiastical and cultural history and is one the most visited sites not only by
worshippers but also by lovers of architecture and art.
The church is open to visitors every day from 10.00 to 17.00, except during services.
How to get there?
The church is located directly in the village of Istebné, 8 km from Dolný Kubín.
Parking
There is a parking lot next to the local cemetery.